Character Skills - NieR: Automata

Character Skills Guide for NieR: Automata

This guide covers every active skill, special move, and Pod Program available to the three playable characters: 2B, 9S, and A2. Passive abilities (Plug-in Chips) are not included. All skills are described with effects, cooldowns, upgrades, combos, synergies, and use cases.

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2B (YoRHa No.2 Type B)

2B is a balanced fighter focusing on direct melee combat. Her unique active skill is Self-Destruct.

#### Self-Destruct

Activation: Hold L3 + R3 (or assigned button) until the Pod sequence completes.

Effect: 2B detonates herself, dealing massive AoE damage (based on remaining HP) and destroying all enemy projectiles in range. 2B is reduced to 1 HP (if not killed outright) and is staggered for a few seconds.

Cooldown: None, but can only be used when HP is above a threshold (cannot use if at 1 HP). The cooldown is effectively the time to heal back to safe HP.

Upgrades: None (fixed).

Combos: Use before a heavy attack combo to clear surrounding enemies, then follow up with a Pod Program like Wave or Volt.

Synergies: Pairs with Auto-Heal chips to recover quickly after explosion. Also useful as a desperation move when surrounded.

When to use: Crowded fights, boss adds, or as a last resort. Avoid using against single strong enemies because the damage is proportional to HP lost.

Activation: Press Up on D-Pad (default).

Effect: 2B performs a taunting gesture. No damage, but can attract enemy aggro briefly in multiplayer? (Single player still triggers enemy response animation). Mostly cosmetic.

Cooldown: None.

Use: Only for style or to interrupt enemy attack patterns.

Perfect Dodge

9S (YoRHa No.9 Type S)

Hacking

Scanner Mode

Remote Hacking

Activation: Press R1 (or assigned button) when a hacking target is highlighted.

Effect: 9S interfaces with the target (enemy, machine, or object) and initiates a hacking minigame. The minigame involves shooting a green dot into a circle while avoiding red obstacles. Success deals massive damage, stuns, or grants control of the target. Failure causes 9S to take damage and be staggered.

Hack Levels:

Basic Hack

Virus Hack

Area Hack

Machine Control

Cooldown: None, but must be close enough to the target. Some enemies have a cooldown before they can be hacked again.

Upgrades: Hacking damage and difficulty are tied to 9S's level and the target's level. No specific upgrades, but using higher-level chips can reduce hazard damage.

Combos: Hacking is best used from a distance or after a dodge. Follow a successful hack with a Pod Program or melee combo to finish off stunned enemies.

Synergies: Pair with Pod Wire to pull enemies closer before hacking. Use Slow Pod Program to make the minigame easier (slower obstacles).

When to use:

Risks: Hacking leaves 9S vulnerable; if interrupted, he takes damage. Avoid hacking when surrounded by aggressive enemies.

Activation: Press R3 (default) to toggle scanner vision.

Effect: 9S can see enemy health, weaknesses, and hidden items. Also reveals hackable objects.

Cooldown: None (toggle).

Use: Always have it active in new areas to spot secrets. In combat, use it to identify weak points for hacking.

Unlock: After a certain story point, 9S can hack at range by having his Pod fly to the target.

Effect: Same as normal hacking but from a distance. The Pod returns to 9S after hacking.

Use: Allows hacking of flying or distant enemies without approaching.

A2 (YoRHa Type A No.2)

Berserk Mode

Charge Attacks

Dodge Counter

Activation: Hold L3 + R3 (or assigned button) until the Pod sequence completes. Requires at least 30% HP.

Effect: A2 enters a rage state for a limited time (approx. 10 seconds). During Berserk:

Berserk Slam

Cooldown: Once Berserk ends, it cannot be reactivated until the meter recharges (takes about 45 seconds out of combat).

Upgrades: None (fixed). Duration and damage are static.

Combos: Activate Berserk, then use charge attacks and Pod Programs like Wave or Volt for massive AoE. Follow with a Heavy combo finisher.

Synergies: Use with Auto-Heal chips to offset HP drain. Best with high-damage chips to end fights quickly. Avoid in prolonged encounters.

When to use: When facing a single strong enemy or a tightly packed group. Use as a last resort when low on health? Not recommended because of drain.

Activation: Hold Heavy Attack button (R2 default) for a short charge, then release.

Effect: A2 charges her current weapon and releases a powerful thrust or slam, depending on weapon type. The charge time is about 1 second. Fully charged attacks have increased range and damage (approx. 2x normal heavy attack).

Cooldown: None, but requires a short wind-up.

Combos: Use after a dodge for a guaranteed hit. Combine with Berserk for massive burst.

Synergies: Use Pod Slow to freeze enemies, then charge attack for high damage.

When to use: Against slow enemies or after knockdowns. Avoid using on fast-moving enemies without slowing them first.

Effect: A2's dodge has a unique property – after a perfect dodge, she can immediately counter with a strong attack that has a wider hitbox than 2B's counter. The counter also grants temporary invincibility frames.

Use: Essential for aggressive play. Chain dodges and counters to maintain pressure.

Pod Programs (Common to All Characters)

Effect: Fires a rapid stream of bullets forward for 3 seconds. Moderate damage, good for breaking enemy shields/armor.

Cooldown: 4 seconds (base). Reduces with Pod upgrades.

Upgrades: Increases bullet count and damage per bullet.

Combos: Use while jumping to hit aerial enemies. In melee combos, weave in between hits.

Best for: General DPS, shield breaking.

Effect: Fires a continuous laser beam for 2 seconds that pierces through enemies. High damage per second.

Cooldown: 5 seconds (base).

Upgrades: Faster fire rate and longer duration.

Combos: Use after a knockdown to maximize damage. Excellent against large hitbox enemies.

Best for: Boss fights, crowd control.

Effect: Pod creates a shockwave cone that deals heavy damage and knocks back enemies. Has a slight area of effect.

Cooldown: 8 seconds (base).

Upgrades: Increased range and damage.

Combos: Knock enemies away to create space, then follow with a charge attack.

Best for: Defensive pushes, interrupting enemy attacks.

Effect: Fires a projectile that creates a gravity well, pulling enemies toward its center. Enemies are briefly stunned.

Cooldown: 6 seconds (base).

Upgrades: Larger pull radius and longer stun duration.

Combos: Use before a heavy area attack (e.g., Berserk slam, Blade program). Great for grouping enemies.

Best for: Crowd control, setup for AoE.

Effect: Fires a volley of small homing missiles that track enemies. Each missile does moderate damage. Excellent for distant or fast enemies.

Cooldown: 7 seconds (base).

Upgrades: More missiles and better tracking.

Combos: Use while evading to keep up DPS. Combine with Slow to ensure hits.

Best for: Finishing fleeing enemies, airborne targets.

Effect: Creates a glowing shield around the character for 3 seconds that blocks incoming attacks and projectiles. Does not block all status effects.

Cooldown: 12 seconds (base).

Upgrades: Longer duration and larger shield area.

Combos: Activate before charging into enemy fire or using slow recovery moves.

Best for: Surviving heavy enemy barrages, boss laser attacks.

Effect: Fires a wire that grabs a single enemy and pulls them toward the character. If the user is airborne, they are pulled toward the enemy instead. Stuns the enemy briefly.

Cooldown: 5 seconds (base).

Upgrades: Faster pull speed, longer range.

Combos: Pull an enemy into a heavy melee combo. Can yank flying enemies down.

Best for: Initiating combos, repositioning enemies.

Effect: Creates 3 afterimages of the character that dash forward and attack enemies along their path. Each afterimage deals moderate damage and can hit multiple times. Afterimages disappear after a short distance.

Cooldown: 9 seconds (base).

Upgrades: More afterimages and higher damage.

Combos: Use while dashing through a group for extra hits. Afterimages track slightly.

Best for: Hit-and-run tactics, clearing corridors.

Effect: Summons a large energy sword that slashes downward in front of the character. Deals very high damage and has a small AoE. Can be charged slightly for more damage but no charge needed.

Cooldown: 10 seconds (base).

Upgrades: Larger sword and extra damage.

Combos: Use after a gravity pull for massive damage. Great as a finisher.

Best for: High burst damage against single targets or small groups.

Effect: Creates a bubble that slows down all enemies inside it for 5 seconds. Movement speed and attack speed are reduced by approximately 30%.

Cooldown: 15 seconds (base).

Upgrades: Larger bubble radius and longer slow duration.

Combos: Use before any slow heavy attack (charge, Blade, etc.). Enables easier hacking for 9S.

Best for: Controlling fast enemies, supporting 9S hacking.

Effect: Creates a wide shockwave that travels forward, dealing damage to all enemies in a line. Good for clearing rows of enemies.

Cooldown: 8 seconds (base).

Upgrades: Wider wave and more damage.

Combos: Use after gathering enemies with Gravity Shot. Also useful in narrow corridors.

Best for: Crowd clearing.

Effect: Fires a bolt of lightning that strikes a targeted area (or nearest enemy), dealing heavy damage and stunning all enemies in a small radius.

Cooldown: 12 seconds (base).

Upgrades: Larger AoE and longer stun.

Combos: Stun a group, then follow with Blade or Berserk.

Best for: Interrupting boss attacks, stunning large groups.

Effect: Summons a large energy spear that strikes the ground, creating a delayed explosion. The explosion damages all enemies in a wide area. The spear can be aimed manually.

Cooldown: 14 seconds (base).

Upgrades: Faster spear drop, larger explosion.

Combos: Use on a group that is slowed or grouped together.

Best for: AoE damage on clustered enemies.

Unlock Conditions & Upgrades for Pod Programs

Unlock: Most programs are bought from the Resistance Camp merchant (starting Chapter 2) or found as quest rewards. A few (Gravity Shot, Homing Missiles, Guard) are obtained via side quests. Check the "All Game Items" guide for specific locations.

Upgrade: Each Pod (A, B, C) can be upgraded at the Resistance Camp mechanic. Upgrading a Pod increases the effectiveness of its programs (damage, cooldown reduction). Programs themselves cannot be individually leveled; all programs equipped to a pod benefit from the pod's upgrade level. A pod at Level 4 has the best performance.

Recommended Skill Builds

Active Skill: Self-Destruct as emergency.

Pod Programs: Homing Missiles (consistent damage), Slow (setup for combos), Blade (burst).

Playstyle: Use melee combos with occasional Pod programs. Self-Destruct only when surrounded.

Active Skill: Hacking (primary), Scanner Mode always on.

Pod Programs: Slow (makes hacking easier), Wire (pull enemies into hack range), Gravity Shot (group enemies for area hack).

Playstyle: Avoid direct melee; hack from a distance. Use Pod programs to control enemy positioning.

Active Skill: Berserk Mode, Charge Attacks.

Pod Programs: Slow (setup for charges), Volt (stun), Blade (finisher).

Playstyle: Activate Berserk only when you can quickly eliminate the threat. Use dodge counters liberally.

Platform-Specific Controls

PC (Keyboard/Mouse): Pod Program 1 is middle mouse button (default), Pod Program 2 is V. Self-Destruct/Berserk is G (hold). Hack is E. Customizable.

PlayStation 4/5: Pod Program 1 is R2, Pod Program 2 is L2. Self-Destruct/Berserk is L3+R3. Hack is R1.

Xbox One/Series: Pod Program 1 is RT, Pod Program 2 is LT. Self-Destruct/Berserk is LS+RS. Hack is RB.

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Combat Synergies Table

Skill Combo	Characters	Effect
Slow + Blade	All	Immobilize enemies then high burst
Gravity Shot + Wave/Volt	All	Group enemies then AoE
Wire + Hack (9S)	9S only	Pull enemy close for easy hack
Berserk + Charge Attack (A2)	A2 only	Massive single-target damage
Slow + Self-Destruct (2B)	2B	Ensure enemies are gathered before explosion
Homing Missiles + dodge	All	Keep DPS while evading
Guard + any charging skill	All	Safe setup

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This guide covers all active skills in NieR: Automata. Use the recommended builds and synergies to maximize your combat effectiveness across all three playthroughs.